Flea, Mite, or Chigger Bites in Children

Flea, Mite, or Chigger Bites in Children

What are flea, mite, or chigger bites in children?

Fleas, mites, and chiggers are different kinds of small insects. They are also parasites. This means they feed off the blood, skin, or both of animals and humans. These insects are more common in the warm weather. They bite skin and cause symptoms such as bumps, redness, pain, or itching.

What causes flea, mite, or chigger bites in a child?

Fleas, mites, and chiggers often bite humans, but these bugs are not harmful. Close contact with the insects outdoors can lead to bites.

Which children are at risk for flea, mite, or chigger bites?

Children who spend more time outdoors in the summer with skin exposed are more likely to get insect bites.

What are the symptoms of flea, mite, or chigger bites in a child?

Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. They can include:

Small bumps on the skin

Pain or itching in the area

Redness, swelling, or blistering

The symptoms of flea, mite, or chigger bites can seem like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How are flea, mite, or chigger bites diagnosed in a child?

The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. He or she will give your child a physical exam.

It may be difficult to tell which type of insect caused the bites. It can also be hard to tell if the symptoms are from poison ivy or other skin condition.

How are flea, mite, or chigger bites treated in a child?

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Treatment may include:

Cleaning the area well with soap and water.

Giving your child an allergy medicine (antihistamine) for itching. Antihistamines can be taken by mouth (orally) as a pill or liquid. Or they can be applied to the skin (topical) in the form of a cream or ointment. Be sure to follow the instructions on the medicine label.

Giving your child an over-the-counter pain medicine if advised by the healthcare provider. Follow the provider’s instructions when giving these medicines to your child. Don’t use ibuprofen in children younger than 6 months old. Don’t give your child aspirin. Always talk with your child's provider before giving these medicines if your child has chronic liver or kidney disease or has ever had a stomach ulcer or GI (gastrointestinal) bleeding.

Keeping your child's fingernails short. This is to prevent a skin infection caused by scratching.

What can I do to prevent flea, mite, or chigger bites in my child?

You can help prevent insect bites in your child by:

Talking with your child's healthcare provider about a safe insect repellent to use on your child

Not using heavily scented soaps, lotions, and other products on your child

Disclaimer:This information is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided on this page is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.